Lot details Registration No: NMB797P Chassis No: 2340/1844 Mot Expiry: May 2007
No doubt influenced by the rendering of an Interceptor soft-top included amongst Touring's original design drawings for the luxury GT, Jensen boss Kjell Qvale commissioned Experimental Department Head Brian Spicer to begin work on a production version in December 1971. Debuting at the March 1974 Geneva Motor Salon, the resultant Interceptor Convertible was based on the same tubular chassis as its fixed-head sibling (albeit with suitably strengthened sill sections and windscreen pillars). As such, it was equipped with independent coil and wishbone front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and four-wheel disc brakes. Powered by a 440ci (7.2litre) Chrysler V8 mated to TorqueFlite automatic transmission, the new model was supposedly capable of 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds and 126mph. Intended as a rival to the Rolls-Royce / Bentley Corniche pairing (which it undercut in the UK by almost £7,000 at £9,863) the open Interceptor soon attracted a celebrity following. Owned by the likes of Cher, Little Patti, Frank Sinatra, Lynda 'Wonder Woman' Carter and financier Winthrop P. Rockerfeller, it was upgraded in late 1975 with the introduction of the 'Qvale dashboard' (a full width wooden affair). Only in production for two years during which a mere 507 are thought to have been made (with 87 supplied to the home market), the Convertible remains the most sought after Interceptor variant.
Finished in metallic green with black hide upholstery, this particular example is believed to be the last right-hand drive Convertible built by the factory. Re-trimmed using Connolly leather since entering the current ownership in April 1997, it is variously described by the vendor as being in "good" (engine, automatic gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis) or "excellent" (interior trim, bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Known to its previous keeper of sixteen years from new, NMB 797P is understood to have covered 71,500 miles over the last thirty years (an average of under 2,500 per annum). Reputedly one of just twelve right-hand drive 'Qvale dashboard' Convertibles (and thus similar in specification to the Interceptor Convertible enjoyed by Led Zeppelin drummer John 'Gonzo' Bonham), it benefits from a black mohair powered hood (renewed in 1990), Wilton carpets, air-conditioning and four-speaker stereo. Riding on GKN alloy wheels, this historic and ultra-rare Jensen is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until May 2007.
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